Use the checks below to confirm whether the answer fits the family, provider, and school situation.
Prepare documents and questions before requesting RESP withdrawals for school.
Once the beneficiary is enrolled in an eligible post-secondary program, RESP money can often support more than tuition. Canada.ca examples include tuition, books, tools, transportation, and rent.
CRA's EAP guidance also treats many student-life costs as potentially reasonable when they help the student further post-secondary education. Examples include student fees, course materials, moving costs, rent, utilities, a computer, phone, internet, food, basic clothing, toiletries, basic furniture, and local transportation.
The standard is not unlimited spending. The cost still needs to be in line with furthering the student's post-secondary education, and the RESP promoter can be more restrictive than the general CRA examples.
Families should keep proof of enrolment, withdrawal confirmations, receipts for larger purchases, and a simple note about how unusual expenses connect to school.
How to check this rule
Details that matter
Not tuition-only
RESP withdrawals can support a broader student budget when the conditions are met.
Reasonable cost test
Even a listed expense can become unreasonable if the amount does not fit the education purpose.
Promoter discretion
The RESP promoter decides what documentation it needs and may be stricter than the CRA examples.
Tax slips
EAPs are generally taxable to the student beneficiary and reported on a T4A slip.
Example
Example: A first-year college student has tuition, textbooks, residence fees, a laptop, phone plan, groceries, and a bus pass. Those costs can fit the education purpose when the student is enrolled and the promoter accepts the request.
Questions to ask your provider
Which costs do you accept as reasonable EAP expenses?
Do you require receipts if the EAP request is below the annual CRA threshold?
Can the payment go to the student, the subscriber, or the school?
How long does the withdrawal take after proof of enrolment is submitted?
Will you provide a breakdown of EAP and contribution withdrawal amounts?
Read next
Withdraw RESP money explains the broader decision and links to related tools.
Tool next step
RESP Withdrawal Checklist can help estimate the practical contribution choices before you confirm eligibility with the promoter.